Meandering Through Psalm 37
Notes
Transcript
Read: Psalm 37
Read: Psalm 37
Introduction:
Introduction:
Psalm 37 is a Wisdom Psalm penned by the sweet singer of Israel, David himself. Many conclude and justifiably so, that the psalm was probably written later in David’s life. It is the looking back over a life and giving advice and counsel to others.
It’s an acrostic Psalm meaning that, at least for Psalm 37 each Hebrew consonant covers 2 verses.
It covers several themes as well. Blessing, God’s Faithfulness, God’s Justice, God’s Providence & Guidance, Righteousness. and many others.
Tonight I want us to look at a few thoughts from the Psalm. I’m not gong to do an exposition or a topical sermon, but rather a hopefully cohesive and coherent meandering from thought to thought as we look at different sections of this Psalm.
1. Fret Not!
1. Fret Not!
The Psalm begins on a rather interesting imperative.
1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
Now I had always assumed that this word phrase, “fret not” meant “don’t worry” but as I began to dig into the word and its meaning I found something extremely interesting and challenging.
While “worry and stew” are derivatives of this word, it means in this context; “To be or become hot, angry; get excited; kindle”
That puts a completely different meaning on this verse than I thought for years.
Don’t allow yourself to get sucked into this ranting, raging, divisive, fear mongering, worldly ways.
Now I’m not saying you have to be passive or not try to change what you see needs to be changed - but we can’t allow the wickedness of others to put our eternal soul at risk - “We’re too far from where we started”
Next David says, “Neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.”
Don’t be tempted to admire their evil ways and tactics. Keep your integrity and righteousness.
Two ends of the spectrum that we are most likely to fall into as God’s people! I think this is an admonition to be taken seriously.
Then Psalm 37:2 explains why - “They will be cut down...”
“We are too blessed to be stressed”
2 Trust & Delight
2 Trust & Delight
The Psalm 37:1-2 can only happen when Psalm 37:3-4 is taking place.
To trust means you put your faith in or make as the object of your faith.
So put your faith in the LORD or in JEHOVAH or GOD!
and do good - live righteously.
Then he says not just believe in God but delight in God.
To delight: take a high degree of pleasure or mental satisfaction in.
What do you draw your mental satisfaction or pleasure from?
When you trust and delight in the LORD your desires and His desires will align
And David promises “God will give thee the desires of thine heart.”
3 Little is Better - Psalm 37:16
3 Little is Better - Psalm 37:16
16 A little that a righteous man hath Is better than the riches of many wicked.
Now I don’t believe that David is taking a minamilistic approach to life - but I do think he is trying to talk about the importance of contentment and trust in God.
A little that a righteous man hath is better
The wicked depend on their riches, but when their ability to earn or get those riches are taken away their wealth is lost.
But the Lord upholdeth the righteous.
The Psalmist continues and in Psalm 37:23 we find this good man “the righteous” is led of God.
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way.
One has said not just the steps but the stops are ordered of the Lord.
we can know that he will lead us - and that we will be content and happy and blessed in our hearts in that way. (though not all of it will be fun and games we can have a peace in being in the center of God’s will.)
Then I love Psalm 37:24
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
the Psalmist goes on to say that we can so depend on God to take care of us that we will find as David does in Psalm 37:25
25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.
John Wesley preached the mighty John Fletcher the theologian of Methodism’s funeral from Psalm 37:37 listen to this
37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: For the end of that man is peace.
Not only does God provide from young to old - but the end is even in peace.
I don’t think this is just peace at death - but the peace of God which passes understanding.
Mark this man, take note of him and watch him, and be blessed by him.